Lisa Whelchel, best known for the the 1980s sitcom, 'The Facts of Life,' gives the keynote address at the Special Kids Friendraiser Banquet Thursday.

Written by

Emily West
The Daily News Journal

A Christian-based organization that provides children with special needs in 11 Tennessee counties with nursing and rehabilitation services received a $1.5 million boost to its building fund Thursday night.

The Christy-Houston Foundation will provide the funding to Special Kids to help construct a 6,000-square-foot facility on two acres on East Main Street. The organization, now located on 202 Arnette St., plans to break ground this fall.

"It's so overwhelming to see the community and to see this become more successful," said Carrie Goodwin, co-founder of Special Kids. "It is ...